Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

About This Recipe (from original author)

"This is a yummy and easy soup to throw together. Cheese compliments broccoli and potatoes so well. Ultimate comfort food when the weather starts to get colder. I love to serve it with homemade rolls or bread and a salad. I make it with skim milk to cut back on calories but feel free to substitute whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier soup. If I'm really short on time, I just throw in a can of diced, already cooked potatoes towards the end of the cooking time until they are heated through. If you want a thicker soup, just add desired amount of flour mixed until smooth with an equal amount of water. Mmmmmm...."

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup chopped onions
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups diced peeled potatoes
• 2 1/2 cups chopped broccoli, steamed until crisp tender
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 dash paprika
• salt
• minced fresh parsley, if desired

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in butter over medium heat until tender.
2. Add flour, pepper, salt, and paprika and stir until smooth.
3. Add broth, milk, and potatoes, stirring constantly until it boils and thickens.
4. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in cheese and cooked broccoli and cook over low until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
6. Sprinkle individual servings with parsley if desired.
   Shelley's notes: I used red potatoes and left the skins on - just scrubbed them good.  It was delicious!  
   Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/broccoli-cheese-and-potato-soup-139511